I took my 2008 A8L (120K miles) in first thing Tuesday to get the 26J2 recall work done, a “two day job”. I waited a while to make sure the dealership had performed a few of these recalls, as I did not want to be the guinea pig. My advisor said that they had already done several. He is now saying mine should be done Monday.

After reading the other posts on the cat recalls, I asked him what other items should be done to piggyback labor with the engine/transmission dropped/out. My advisor (who used to drive an ‘09 A8) reported late Wednesday that nothing else was needed, but there was a small oil leak up top. The emailed diagnosis was predictable: “Oil filter flange and valve cover gaskets leaking.” There was no mention of right or left on the valve covers, or if they were recommending replacements because the gaskets had all failed or just because it was smart to do them all at the same time.

The prices quoted were higher than those quoted to other posters here: $821.91 for the oil filter flange gasket and $1,296.48 to replace the valve cover gaskets. I saw other posters were given dealer estimates of $650 for both valve covers. Even with the great how-to articles and videos, I have to admit to myself that I do not have the room, time, tools or know-how to do this work, so I will be dependent on the professionals.

My questions to the group: Any ideas why my numbers appear so much higher? In other words, would these numbers make perfect sense if other common wear items in that area were also replaced, like the oil cooler tube (and should I try to overnight a Gruvenparts aluminum oil cooler tube)? Without a more detailed itemization, which I will ask for tomorrow, I am struggling to determine if I’m being high-balled or if they are just oversimplifying their quotes. Your expert thoughtful feedback is most appreciated, as usual.

Thanks. Good idea on the warranty. The dealer provides a year of coverage but my indie gives two years!